What Does It Mean to Be Born Again — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Jesus told Nicodemus, 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:3). Nicodemus was confused, asking how a man could enter his mother's womb a second time. Jesus clarified, 'Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit' (John 3:5-6). The new birth is a spiritual transformation — not physical. It occurs when a person places faith in Christ: 'But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God' (John 1:12-13). Peter describes it as being 'born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever' (1 Peter 1:23). The born-again experience produces a new creation: 'If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new' (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages